Voting begins for Maldives Parliament, as India and China vie for influence

Maldivians are voting in parliamentary elections, keenly watched by India and China as they vie for influence in the archipelago nation (Mohamed Sharuhaan/AP)

Maldivians were voting in parliamentary elections on Sunday, in a ballot crucial for President Mohamed Muizzu, whose policies are keenly watched by India and China as they vie for influence in the archipelago nation.

Both countries are seeking a foothold in the Maldives, which has a strategic location in the Indian Ocean.